This week the Recorder is looking back at the history of Atik Romford as discussions get underway to transform the now empty nightclub into shared living accommodation. The venue started life as The Havana Cinema - which was opened by Victory Super Cinemas in January 1936 - featuring a 2,500 seating capacity and a cafe. Following an opening ceremony led by British actress Rene Ray, the cinema showed films such as The Passing of the Third Floor Back and Stranded. Throughout its history as both The Havana Cinema and Odeon, the premises was used for a variety of other purposes, according to Havering Libraries. After standing vacant for more than a year, a proposal has now been put forward to turn the building into shared living accommodation.